Published: January 27, 2009 04:58 pm      

Man shot by Harrison's gun on trial

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia man shot with a gun owned by Colts receiver Marvin Harrison is headed to trial Wednesday, accused of lying to police.

Dwight Dixon is due in Philadelphia municipal court on three charges of making false sworn statements, according to court records.

Dixon initially told police he was shot during a robbery but later accused Harrison of shooting him. Dixon’s attorney, Robert Gamburg, said Dixon did not immediately identify Harrison because he was afraid of him.

Gamburg added Dixon was denied access to his attorney after being shot and spoke under duress.

“I’m shocked that the DA is going forward with it,” Gamburg said.

The April 2008 shooting happened near a North Philadelphia car wash owned by the All-Pro receiver that is about a half mile from a bar he also owns.

Dixon filed a civil suit against Harrison last September, claiming he sustained “serious and permanent injuries” to his arm and body and a “severe shock” to his nervous system. The suit is pending.

Gamburg said the case against his client had been in limbo but learned Monday the prosecution would proceed. He questioned why the man who was shot is facing charges but not the person who shot him.

Three weeks ago, the Philadelphia District Attorney announced it was clear Harrison’s gun was used in the shooting but there was not enough evidence to determine who fired it.

“I guess if you fear for yourself and the safety of your family, and you are denied access to your attorney, that case can go forward,” Gamburg said. “But if you have a gun on the street and shots are fired out of it, if you are of a higher socio-economic status, that’s OK. That’s the message I take out of it.”